Catherine Asaro has an M.A. in physics and a Ph.D. in chemical physics from Harvard. She has appeared as a speaker at many places, including Harvard and the National Academy of Sciences, and as a Guest of Honor at science fiction cons in the US and abroad. She is a member of SIGMA, a think tank that advises the government as to future trends. A former ballet and jazz dancer, and now a vocalist, Asaro has performed at clubs and conventions. She is the creator of the popular Skolian Empire Saga, a science fiction series that includes The Ruby Dice, Diamond Star, and Carnelians from Baen. Other books include near-future technothrillers Alpha and Sunrise Alley, also published by Baen Books. Asaro is a resident of East Setauket, Long Island.